Chord Ultima User manual

Ultima
Manual
V.1.0
Chord Electronics
Product Communication | English
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The Pumphouse,Farleigh Lane,
East Farleigh, Maidstone
ME16 9NB United Kingdom
[email protected]
chordelectronics.co.uk

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Ultima | Manual
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Contents 0.0
1.0 Safety instructions 07
1.1 Introduction 08
1.2 Protection against liquids & heat 09
1.3 Dismantling & Radio 10
frequency interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment 11
2.0 Warranty 13
2.1 Warranty period & registering 14
your purchase
2.2 Making a claim & warranty exclusions 15
3.0 Getting to know Ultima 17
3.1 Getting to know Ultima 18
3.2 The front panel 19
3.3 The top panel 20
3.4 The rear panel 21
4.0 Setting up Ultima 23
4.1 Placement 24
4.2 Connecting Ultima to 25
ancillary equipment
4.3 Audio inputs 26
4.4 Audio outputs 27
4.5 Power-on sequence and 12V trigger 28
4.6 Earthing issues in Europe 29
34
0.0 Contents

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1.1 Introduction
1.2 Protection against liquids & heat
1.3 Dismantling & Radio Frequency interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment
1.0 Safety
instructions
Safety instructions 1.0

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1.1 Introduction
1.2 Protection against
liquids & heat
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Protection against
liquids & heat
1.3 Dismantling & radio frequency
interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment
1.3 Dismantling & radio frequency
interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment
Introduction Protection against
liquids & heat
1.1
1.2
Ultima is the cornerstone
of Chord Electronics’
amplfication, standing as
our ultimate reference amplification -
beaten by none.
Before operation, we strongly advise
that you read this user manual
thoroughly, storing it in a safe place
along with your original receipt of
purchase, in case you should require
assistance in the future.
The Ultima is not protected
against liquids of any kind.
Never place containers of
liquid on Ultima. Never allow Ultima
to come into contact with moisture
or liquids; doing so could result in
electrocution or damage to the Ultima
internal circuitry.
Be aware that liquids, including water
that has dried, can leave minerals
that can aect the PCB and other
components, which could eventually
lead to oxidisation and short-circuiting.
If the Ultima comes into contact with
moisture or liquids, immediately
disconnect from the mains power
supply, and connected equipment, and
contact Chord Electronics for further
advice.
The Ultima has internal thermal
protection that will cut the
power supply if reached.
Never operate the Ultima near sources
of heat or naked flames as this will
decrease the lifespan of the internal
components. It is advised that you do
not operate the Ultima in an area of
direct sunlight or on top of significant
heat- producing devices.
Please be aware that it is entirely
normal for the Ultima to become warm
during use, particularly within a stacked
configuration. If you are concerned
about the temperatures, please switch
the device oand consider a dierent
placement.

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Dismantling & radio
frequency interference
1.3 Connecting your equipment 1.4
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Protection against
liquids & heat
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Protection against
liquids & heat
1.3 Dismantling & radio frequency
interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment
1.3 Dismantling & radio frequency
interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment
There are no user-serviceable
components within the
Ultima or its power supply.
Dangerous voltages/currents exist
within the Ultima and its power supply,
posing a severe risk of electrocution
and/or fire.
Never attempt to open,
dismantle or apply internal
third-party devices to it or
insert anything other than the
listed interconnects or speaker cables
within this user manual.
If the Ultima develops a fault or
the casework becomes damaged,
immediately disconnect from the
mains power supply and connected
equipment and contact Chord
Electronics for further advice.
Before connecting the Ultima to any
equipment, consult the manufacturer’s
user guide to confirm compatibility.
When connecting the Ultima to any
equipment, make sure that all devices
are o, including the Ultima. Once
connected, switch all equipment on
starting with the source and ending
with the amplification. Initially, operate
the Ultima with your preamp/device
on its lowest gain setting and lowest
volume setting, gently increasing to
a comfortable listening level. Never
operate the Ultima at excessive sound
levels; permanent hearing damage and
loss can occur.
Ultima is supplied with its own
grounded 16A-rated mains IEC cable
and it is important that the amplifier is
earthed at all times via this cable, or an
appropriate alternative. Failure to do
this could be hazardous in the unlikely
event of a fault.
The supplied region-specific 16A mains
IEC cable can be substituted for an
alternative power cable, however,
please make sure that it has an earth.
If any cable becomes damaged you
must discontinue use and replace
it immediately to avoid the risk of
electrocution.
Ultima must be permanently connected
to a source of power. The included
mains lead simply plugs into the Ultima
IEC mains socket. If the mains lead is
prematurely disconnected Ultima may
With a thick, solid aluminium chassis,
the Ultima’s casework largely protects
the sensitive internal circuitry from
radio frequency interference.
However, for optimal performance, it is
recommended that the following points
are observed:
1. Consider placing the
Ultima away from
wireless routers.
2. Separate the Ultima
from amplifiers using
toroidal transformers.
3. Operate mobile phones
at a distance to avoid
interference.
Although the Ultima is largely
shielded, it can generate
radio frequency interference
that may have an eect on radio and
television reception. If this occurs,
please reconsider your placement.
still hold charge for up to 15 minutes. WARNING: Never
disconnect the
power cable during
operation. Only disconnect
when Ultima is o. If the
power cable is disconnected
during operation there is a
risk of damage to connected
equipment.

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2.1 Warranty period & registering your purchase
2.2 Making a claim & warranty exclusions
2.0 Warranty
Warranty 2.0

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Warranty period & registering
your purchase
2.1 Making a claim
& warranty exclusions
2.2
2.1 Warranty period & registering
your purchase
2.1 Warranty period & registering
your purchase
2.2 Making a claim & warranty
exclusions
2.2 Making a claim & warranty
exclusions
At point of sale, Chord Electronics
Ltd. provides the Ultima with a
comprehensive five-year warranty*
which covers defects in materials and
workmanship through fair wear and
tear.
*The warranty is transferable with proof
of purchase, however is not available
on ex-demonstration products.
Please use the form below
to record the details of your
purchase in the event that
these are required at a later date, we
further advise that all purchases are
registered with Chord Electronics
at: chordelectronics.co.uk/register-
product/
In the unlikely event of a claim, you
must provide Chord Electronics with
the details of the claim, including your
original proof of purchase and serial
number in order to validate the nature
of the repair.
Upon receipt, Chord Electronics will
make an assessment within 30 days
and provide a reasonable solution.
All warranty repairs must be carried
out by Chord Electronics or an
approved service centre to guarantee
the quality and safety of the repair.
WARRANTY EXCLUSIONS: The warranty
does not cover connected equipment,
personal injury or development natural
patina of the metalwork and will be null
and void if the following is applied: wilful
neglect; modification or tampering of the
product; improper use of the product; acts
of God; damage caused by a connected
device; mechanical shock; fire or application
of excessive heat or repair/modification by a
non-authorised third-party vendor.
RETAILER:
UNIT COLOUR:
DATE OF PURCHASE:
TRANSACTION ID:

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3.1 Getting to know Ultima
3.2 The front panel
3.3 The top panel
3.4 The rear panel
Getting to know Ultima 3.0
3.0 Getting to know
Ultima

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Getting to know Ultima 3.1 The front panel 3.2
3.1 Getting to know Ultima
3.2 The front panel
3.1 Getting to know Ultima
3.2 The front panel
3.3 The top panel
3.4 The rear panel
3.3 The top panel
3.4 The rear panel
With only two buttons, everyday
operation of Ultima is simple and you
can tailor the brightness of the feature
lighting to suit the ambience of your
listening room.
Ultima is our absolute reference
amplifier which uses a brand new
analogue topology, Chord Electronics’
first all-new design since its inception.
Before operation, we strongly advise
you read this user manual thoroughly,
storing it in a safe place along with your
original receipt of purchase, should you
require assistance in the future.
WARNING: You must
keep all vents clear.
Feature lighting dimmer switch
On/O

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The top panel 3.3 The rear panel 3.4
3.1 Getting to know Ultima
3.2 The front panel
3.1 Getting to know Ultima
3.2 The front panel
3.3 The top panel
3.4 The rear panel
3.3 The top panel
3.4 The rear panel
The top panel has no user configurable
options. Instead, three teal feature light
rings illuminate. If you find that these
rings are too bright for your listening
room you can control the brightness via
the front panel.
Despite being a mono amplifier,
Ultima oers a comprehensive suite of
connectivity to suit the system that you
intend to pair it with.
WARNING: You must
keep all vents clear.
WARNING: You must
keep all vents clear.
Stackable Integra legs
Single channel
positive speaker terminal
Single channel
negative speaker terminal
Single channel bi-wired
negative speaker terminal
Single channel bi-wired
positive speaker terminal
12V Trigger input Mains IEC input
Balanced XLR inverting
input
Balanced XLR non-inverting
input
Unbalanced RCA inverting
input
Unbalanced RCA non-inverting
input
Light ring

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4.1 Placement
4.2 Connecting Ultima to ancillary equipment
4.3 Audio inputs
4.4 Audio outputs
4.5 Power-on sequence and 12V trigger
4.6 Earthing issues in Europe
Setting up Ultima 4.0
4.0 Setting up
Ultima

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Placement 4.1 Connecting Ultima
to ancillary equipment
4.2
4.1 Placement
4.2 Connecting Ultima to
ancillary equipment
4.3 Audio inputs
4.1 Placement
4.2 Connecting Ultima to
ancillary equipment
4.3 Audio inputs
4.4 Audio outputs
4.5 Power- on sequence and 12V trigger
4.6 Earthing issues in Europe
4.4 Audio outputs
4.5 Power-on sequence and 12V trigger
4.6 Earthing issues in Europe
Whilst Ultima will operate normally
within a Chord Electronics Reference
configuration stacked via the Integra
legs, it is recommended that Ultima is
allowed to ‘breathe’ with 10cm of space
around it to convection-cool during
operation.
When connecting the Ultima to
equipment within the signal path,
ensure all devices are switched o. It is
recommended that once all equipment
is properly connected, that the volume
setting is operated to its lowest
setting, before slowly being raised to
a comfortable listening level. Always
observe partnering manufacturers’
guidelines.

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Audio inputs 4.3 Audio outputs 4.4
4.1 Placement
4.2 Connecting Ultima to
ancillary equipment
4.3 Audio inputs
4.1 Placement
4.2 Connecting Ultima to
ancillary equipment
4.3 Audio inputs
4.4 Audio outputs
4.5 Power- on sequence and 12V trigger
4.6 Earthing issues in Europe
4.4 Audio outputs
4.4 Power-on sequence and 12V trigger
4.5 Earthing issues in Europe
Ultima is equipped with both inverted
and non-inverted balanced XLR inputs
as well as inverted and non-inverted
unbalanced RCA inputs. Ultima has no
ability to switch between the inputs
therefore, only one must be used.
Invertion relates to the phase of
the incoming signal. During normal
operation for Chord Electronics
products, the use of the inverted inputs
is advised, however, you may select
non-inverting if desired.
When using a pair of Ultimas please
take great care to connect both
amplifiers with the same invertion to
avoid an out-of-phase configuration.
As Ultima is a mono amplifier, it only
supports a single speaker output,
however, it has four speaker terminals.
Both positive speaker terminals
originate from the same source, as
does the negative speaker terminals.
Do use the additional two postive and
negative terminals if you wish to bi-wire
your speakers.
In order to connect Ultima to
loudspeakers, use high-quality
loudspeaker cable terminated with
4mm banana plugs or 6mm spades.
Bare wire can be used, but it is not
recommended.
Connect the black (negative) terminal
from Ultima to the negative terminal on
your loudspeaker and the red (positive)
terminal from Ultima to the red positive
terminal on your loudspeaker. Repeat if
you wish to bi-wire the same speaker.
WARNING: Ultima
must be connected
to a dedicated
preamplifier, or a device
capable of attenuating its
output. Failure to attenuate
the volume before it enters
Ultima could result in
irreversible hearing damage,
speaker damage and could
void the warranty.
Balanced XLR inverting
input
Balanced XLR non-inverting
input
Unbalanced RCA inverting
input Unbalanced RCA non-inverting
input
Single channel
positive speaker terminal
Single channel
negative speaker terminal
Single channel bi-wired
positive speaker terminal
Single channel bi-wired
negative speaker terminal

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Power-on sequence and 12V
trigger
4.5 Earthing issues in Europe 4.6
4.1 Placement
4.2 Connecting Ultima to
ancillary equipment
4.3 Audio inputs
4.1 Placement
4.2 Connecting Ultima to
ancillary equipment
4.3 Audio inputs
4.4 Audio outputs
4.5 Power- on sequence and 12V trigger
4.6 Earthing issues in Europe
4.4 Audio outputs
4.5 Power-on sequence and 12V trigger
4.6 Earthing issues in Europe
POWER-ON SEQUENCE:
During normal operation, when
Ultima is in standby mode the
large power button on the front panel
will illuminate an red colour. To power-
on Ultima press the large power button
once until you feel a click. Ultima’s
power button will now change to a
green colour whilst it begins its initial
safety checks.
During this phase do not increase the
gain on the input device as you cannot
determine its final amplified volume
which can damage the connected
speakers.
Once the amplifier has passed the
safety check and is operational,
after approximately ten seconds, the
amplifier will display a teal colour.
In some European countries,
a hum or buzz may occur if
the amplifier is connected
to mains sockets that do not have an
earth or adequate earth. If this occurs,
please ensure that your equipment is
connected via a good-quality multi-way
mains block which contains an earth
point at every socket outlet.
We recommend that an earthing
method for your building is
implemented.
12V Trigger: A 12V trigger can be
used to remotely turn Ultima on or o.
Please refer to the below diagram to
correctly wire your 12V trigger.
When a 12V trigger is sensed by Ultima
the colours displayed on power button
will be dierent.
During standby the large power buton
on the front panel will illuminate an
orange colour, however just like the
power sequence without the 12V
trigger a green colour will be displayed
once you switch the unit on and it
performs its safety checks. You should
still not increase the gain on the input
device.
Once the amplifier becomes
operational the power button will
display a continuious purple glow.
0V / Ground +5V to +12V
WARNING: In the
rare event that a
fault is detected
the amplifier will
switch itself o. If this
occours discontinue use
immediately and seek
help from your Chord
Electornics retailer.

chordelectronics.co.uk
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THIS IS PURE AUDIO